Our Team

Robert PellegriniPresident & CEOAs President of Pellegrini Wine Company, Robert directs vineyard operations, winemaking, sales and distribution. Born into the wine trade, he is a member of the third generation in the family wine business, having more than 40 years experience in selling, importing, distributing, winemaking and grape growing. After graduating from Santa Clara University in 1971, he took wine classes at U.C. Davis and worked internships in France and Napa Valley. In his twenties, Robert began working for the family wholesale and distribution company, distributing wine imported by many well-known international wine groups. In 1973, his father and mother made an investment in Russian River Valley property that is now Olivet Lane Estate. Robert planted the vineyard with Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vines, becoming one of the first Pinot Noir estates in the appellation and the grape source for many luminaries, including Williams-Selyem, Merry Edwards and Gary Farrell.

Aida PellegriniFounderIn 1973, Aida and her husband, second-generation patriarch Vincent Pellegrini, purchased the property in Russian River Valley that is now Olivet Lane Estate. Always a gifted hostess and cook, Aida has been entertaining guests and clients of Pellegrini for more than 60 years. Born on an artichoke farm in Half Moon Bay, she grew up in San Francisco and graduated from Galileo High School. She is the matriarch of the Olivet Lane Estate.

Alexia PellegriniChief Operating OfficerAlexia is proud to be working alongside her father, Robert, as Chief of Operations at Pellegrini Wine Company. Her focus is on building DTC business, core visual branding, and managing overall operations. A fourth generation vintner, her interest in following in her ancestors foot steps was sparked by harvest internships at Penfolds in Australia & St. Francis Winery in Kenwood, California. From 2002 to 2007, she worked for the family in wine sales & distribution, in the cellar & tasting room. She earned a Certificate in Wine Sales & Marketing from Santa Rosa Junior College, with continued wine education at Culinary Institute at Greystone & University of California at Davis Extension. While on sabbatical from the wine industry, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Art Center College of Design in Graphic Design, and worked at Levi’s on the Global Brand Environment team. Currently, she pursuing her MBA in Wine Business Management at Sonoma State University.

Fred RenoExecutive Vice PresidentFred began his career working retail wine in 1979 in Washington, DC. He has over thirty-seven years’ experience in all facets of the industry. From the beginning in retail to VP of sales for William Hill Winery and then VP of sales and marketing at Sonoma-Cutrer, where under his leadership Sonoma-Cutrer established their brand as the number one requested chardonnay in the on-premise market. After taking the position as President of a struggling wine distributor in California, The Henry Wine Group; he turned it around which resulted in being voted "Best Wine Wholesaler in America" in 2008 by the Menninger report. Fred then went on to be Director of the West Burgundy Wine Group, a division at Jackson Family Wines, which he created before leaving the company in late 2015. Fred has a deep passion for fine wine and the world of business. The combination of both of these has been the hallmark of his career.

Lynn KrausmannDirector of WinemakingLynn has been the winemaker at Pellegrini Wine Company since its rebirth in 2013. Her career spans close to three decades, and she is driven and creative in her approach, with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Before joining Pellegrini Wine Company Lynn's winemaking experience has included winemaker at Esterlina Vineyard for three years, and Williams Selyem for six years preceding that. Her previous experience also includes winemaker for Clos du Bois wines and Assistant Winemaker at Freemark Abbey along with vintage experience at Robert Mondavi Winery and Cloudy Bay Wines, in New Zealand. Lynn earned an enology degree from the University of California at Davis. She also holds a bachelor's degree from Lawrence University, Wisconsin. Lynn is excited and proud to be working with the extraordinary fruit grown at the Iconic Olivet Lane Vineyard in Russian River Valley.

Charlie FauroatAssistant WinemakerCharlie Fauroat has worked in & around Sonoma County’s wine industry for nearly a decade. He began his career in wine as a tasting room associate before moving into the cellar to learn winemaking & production. He has worked harvests at Bella Vineyards in Dry Creek Valley, DuMol & Williams Selyem in the Russian River Valley, as well as harvests abroad in New Zealand & South Australia.

Erika Vitali DTC Marketing Manager
Erika, a native East Coaster, felt called to pursue a career in the wine industry after completing her education degree at University of Vermont. After moving to California in 2009, Erika took courses at UC Davis and Sonoma State to learn more of the ins and outs of the trade. Erika has amassed nearly a decade of direct-to-consumer sales and marketing experience, prior to joining our team including DTC Manager at West Coast Wine Partners for nearly two years. Preceding that she managed the Wine Club at Robert Young Estate Winery. Her previous experience also includes Club & Customer Service Coordinator for Duckhorn Wine Company and a laboratory internship with their Decoy & Migration programs. Erika is delighted to be working with the extraordinary wines produced at Pellegini Wine Company.

Adam PalafoxHospitality Manager & Sales Coordinator

Adam was born and raised in California and has been passionate about luxury hospitality for decades. After helping to develop some of the most esteemed wine & food pairing programs in Napa & Sonoma at Duckhorn Vineyards and St. Francis Winery, Adam joined our team to build our Tasting Room and Hospitality Programs in 2013. Adam is a respected member of the extended Sonoma County tasting room community and frequently works with other neighboring properties on events. In his off time, Adam is an active member of the theatre community and has been involved in many productions for 6th Street Playhouse, Narrow Way Stage Company, and Actor's Basement.

Arturo Robeldo Jr.Vineyard Manager

Arturo Robledo Jr. grew up in one of the most accomplished vineyard farming families in California. He represents the second generation of Robledos to farm Olivet Lane Vineyard. Art works cooperatively with our winemaker to ensure the healthiest vines possible and believes great wine is made in the vineyard.